Mijas Pueblo is one of the "pueblos blancos", snow-white houses clinging to the mountainside, overlooking the whole Costa del Sol.
How to get there
From the apartment it is a 20-minute drive to Mijas Pueblo via the A-368, a beautifully winding mountain road. Park at Parking Virgen de la Peña: first hour free, then around €1 per day (up to 9 hours). A lift takes you straight up to the central square in 2 minutes. By bus: line M-122 from Fuengirola, a scenic route along the coast and up.
The highlights
Plaza Virgen de la Peña is the central square with sweeping sea views. The Ermita de la Virgen de la Peña is a 16th-century chapel carved into the rocks, unique in Spain. Wander through the narrow streets full of flower pots and white walls to Plaza de la Constitución and the old bullfighting museum.
Dining with a view
Restaurant El Mirlo Blanco serves traditional Andalusian dishes on a terrace with unobstructed Mediterranean views. For tapas: La Alcazaba or Bar Porras on the main square. Do not forget to try a glass of vino dulce de Málaga, the sweet dessert wine of the region.
Tips for your visit
Best time to go: between 10:00 and 13:00 for the light, or after 17:00 for the sunset. Afternoons can be hot, bring a hat and water. Avoid Sunday if you want quiet: it draws many day-trippers. Consider combining with a lunch in Marbella on the way back.
Mijas Pueblo is worth half a day, a perfect outing from Casa Jardinana Lotus.
